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Ancient glass making began in Egypt and the Mesopotamian region around 1500 B.C. Glass beads and inlays were even used on King Tutankhamen's mask. The earliest vessels were produced by forming melted glass on a clay core in the shape of the desired vessel. Hot threads of contrasting color were wrapped around the vessel, pressed, and combed to create a wavy pattern. The clay core was removed after cooling. The Augustan age of the Roman empire and invention of the blowpipe in Sidonian Phoenicia marked a turning point in glass production. Output could be increased a thousandfold with the introduction of new, exciting shapes. This technique quickly spread to Italy, and then throughout the empire. Roman glass was so popular that most Romans owned glass objects, and much has survived and is available today at reasonable prices.

Snake-threadornamentation originated in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire in the second half of the second century and its popularity peaked in the first half of the third century. Snake-thread decoration was revived in the second half of the fourth century in the east and in the west near Cologne in modern Germany. Serpentine form trails may vary in thickness, may be the same color as the vessel (usually colorless) or brightly colored (common in the West). Ontario Museum 309, with similar subtle snake-threadornamentation, is attributed to Samaria, 3rd to early 4th century A.D.AG63814. Snake threadflask, cf. Ontario Museum 309 (for similar ornamentation), 12.4 mm (4 7/8"), Complete and intact, funnel mouth with rolled rim, cylindrical neck, bulbous body, snake-threadornamentation on the body, flat bottom; from a Florida dealer; $1080.00 (€918.00)

Roman, Syro-Palestinian, GlassSprinkler Jug, c. 3rd A.D.

This form is missing from the major references but we know of other examples from the market.AG63811. Sprinkler jug, 10.5 mm (4 1/8"), complete, tiny chip in handle (visible in photo), possibly a small rim repair or just flaked weathering, thick yellowish brown enamel-like weathering, free-blow, yellow-green glass, pyriform body, tubular neck, slight funnel mouth, washer-like constriction at the base of neck, handle attached below rim and below neck, kicked bottom with pontil mark; from a Florida dealer; $520.00 (€442.00)

Hayes' Ontario Museum catalog references many similar specimens, noting some are from Beirut. Our example is finer than most examples of similar form, many of which appear to be carelessly made. Hayes' dates the type 5th century or later. Perhaps the finer form indicates ours is earlier.AG63806. Fusiformunguentarium, cf. Ontario Museum 461, complete, intact, much iridescence; 16.5 cm, spindle-shaped long tubular body, upper half is a neck narrowing slightly to folded and flattened rim, small shoulder at center, lower half is a narrow tubular body narrowing to a rounded point; from a Florida dealer; $470.00 (€399.50)

One of the most important and sought-after volumes on early Roman glass that has been produced in English. With more than 17,000 glass objects, the Corning Museum of Glass is one of the world's most comprehensive collections. Dr. Goldstein, the Curator of Ancient Glass, has provided an essential guide to ancient glass in existence prior to the innovation of the blowpipe. With an introductory background, this book catalogues 919 items from all areas of the Pre-Roman and Roman world.BK50729. Pre-Roman and Early Roman Glass in the Corning Museum of Glass by Sidney M. Goldstein, 312 pages, 42 plates majority in color, 919 items catalogued, 1979, out of print and can be hard to find, worn and torn dust jacket, USED, ex libris Alex G. Malloy, only one copy available; $100.00 (€85.00)

From the collection of Alex G. Malloy, former dealer in antiquities for 40 years. Ex RobertHaas collection.

Wheel-cut decorative patterns were used primarily on colorlessglass vessels. The wheel cut lines vary in depth, width and length and may be rounded or v-shaped, and the most common form is a series of horizontal lines. The technique has been used since the Hellenistic period. Wheel-incised geometric patterns were especially popular in the fourth century.AA32384. 3 clear faceted bowlshards, Choice, wheel cut lines, in rectangles with cross hatched sectioned, one 4.4 cm (1 3/4") and two 3.8 cm (1 1/2"); $45.00 (€38.25)

From the collection of Alex G. Malloy, former dealer in antiquities for 40 years.

These votive pieces were made to be ritually broken before offering in the altar of the god or distribution in fields for fertility or under building foundations for good fortune. They are almost always found broken.AA32416. 4 glass votive stamped fragements, partial images of male god; $45.00 (€38.25)